User’s Guide to 911


 

Dial 9-1-1

  • Tell the dispatcher what the emergency is
  • Wait for further instructions from the dispatcher
  • Don’t hang up until the dispatcher tells you to

What is an Emergency?

  • Any serious medical problem (chest pain, seizure, bleeding)
  • Any type of fire (business, car, building)
  • Any life-threatening situations (fights, people with weapons, etc.)

What information will the dispatcher need?

  • The location where assistance is needed
  • Your name and phone number
  • The nature of the emergency
  • Descriptions of suspects, or additional information
  • Where? – Where is this occurring?
  • What? – What is happening?
  • When? – Is this happening now?
  • Who? – Who is the victim, suspect, etc.?
  • Why? – Do you know why this is happening? i.e. depression?
  • Weapons? – Are there any weapons involved?

Helpful Hints:

  • Always listen to the Dispatcher.
  • The questions they ask are for the safety of you, the public and the officers.
  • Just because they are questioning you, does not mean help is not on the way.
  • Information is entered into a computer & dispatched to the proper units.
  • Remain on the line until told to hang up. The operator may need more information or to give you further instructions.
  • Be familiar with your area. We can’t help if you don’t know where you are.
  • NEVER intervene in a crime in progress.

What to do when you need help, but it’s not an emergency.

(Please contact the appropriate office.)

  • City Hall – 229-9400
  • Police Information – 229-9300
  • Fire Prevention/Inspection – 229-9440
  • Sullivan County EMS – 279-2812 (Convalescent Transport), 323-6474 (Billing)
  • Water/Sewer Department – 229-9454 (Maintenance), 229-9416 (Billing)
  • Public Works (Streets and Sanitation) – 229-9451
  • Public Transportation-KATS – 224-2613
  • Central Dispatch – 246-9111
Copyright © 2018 Kingsport Emergency Communications District - Kingsport, TN